Open enrollment has started for the state's low-cost insurance marketplace. Californians will have until Jan. 31, 2024 to enroll for Covered California.
Officials advise people to enroll by Dec. 31 if they are looking to get a full year's coverage.
"Overall California's uninsured rate has fallen from over 17% to a record 6.5% since Covered California came into existence" said Jessica Altman, executive director of Covered California.
Covered California's monthly premiums have gone up more than 5% this year in comparison to the 1% increase between 2020 and 2022. Inflation and labor shortages are to blame for the rising costs, but officials say the plans remain very affordable.
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As prices go up, laws have been placed to offset the costs. Those enrolled in Covered California's silver plan by law cannot pay premiums more than 8.5 % of their income. The state it's eliminated hospital deductibles for about 650 thousand people.
More than 2 million California residents don't have health insurance, most of them in Southern California.
"There are almost half a million families here in Los Angeles that either qualify Covered California or qualify for Medical, this is the time to do it" said Assembly Member Miguel Santiago.
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For more information on health insurance and open enrollment visit the Covered California website.
